How to perform well at a job interview?
A job interview is never an easy task – in just an hour, and sometimes less, you have to impress someone completely unfamiliar by presenting everything you know and can do in the best possible way. But here, like everything else, there are tricks to help you improve your chances of success. The way to the desired job offer is to radiate confidence, be positive and be able to prove that you meet the requirements for the position. And in order to be maximally prepared for what lies ahead, we have prepared a few specific career tips.
1. Preparation
Usually, at least some of the job interview questions are more or less “clichéd”:
- Why do you think you are suitable for this position?
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
- What salary do you expect? (see how you can answer this question here)
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Give an example of a conflict situation that you have successfully dealt with.
Think about all the questions of this type that you can expect. Including awkward questions about gaps in your resume, for example, if you have been suspended for a while or if you do not have enough experience for the specific position you are applying for. Consider the best answer you can give in advance, even before the meeting. This way you will not only be better prepared and calm, but you will also be able to create the best possible impression.
Remember that you also have the opportunity to ask questions. This shows commitment to the job position and the employer and can be considered a positive signal of your interest. So be sure to consider what you would like to ask at the end of the interview. However, let your first question not be about the salary, especially if this is your first interview with this employer. But you can ask things like:
- What are the daily obligations of the specific position? – with this question, you get the opportunity to learn more about the position and to assess as objectively as possible whether it is suitable for you
- What are your expectations for the person who performs this role in the first three months/year? – This will help you understand what to strive for to continue to advance in the company
- What is the typical career path for a person in the position for which you are currently looking for a specialist? – This will help you understand what career development you can expect and in what time horizon
- How would you describe the culture of the company? / Which qualities are valued highest in the company? – quite literally, this is a great experience to find out more about the company’s culture and how much it would suit you
- What are the next steps in the selection process? – This question will give you more clarity on what to expect and how to plan your time.
How to perform well at a job interview
2. Look for more information about the company
Whether or not you are explicitly asked what you know about the employer you are interviewing for (another question you can expect!), One of the must-dos before the interview is to familiarize yourself with the profile and his activity. Visit the company’s website, and if it is part of an international group, visit the parent company’s website. Try to create the most detailed profile of the activities, mission, and values of the organization. Look for information about her in the media. Sometimes a simple Google search is enough. At Google Alerts, you can subscribe to notifications for any news related to the company. You will make a good impression if, during the conversation with the interviewer, you include in your answers the things you have learned.
If you already know the name of the person who will interview you before the meeting, search for information about him – through Google, LinkedIn, in specialized media. In the section “My ideal job candidate” on Indeed Job Search, for example, we meet with specialists in the selection of various companies. Their comments can be useful for you to be as aware as possible not only of what to expect from the selection process and the interview in the company but also what the particular person holds, what are the company’s values and what development opportunities you may have.
How to perform well at a job interview
3. Plan
Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare. Look for the exact address of the company and consider how you will get there. Part of planning is not to be late. It doesn’t make a good impression if you show up later than the scheduled time – it shows poor planning or low priority of the meeting. Therefore, it is better to anticipate being there 5-10 minutes earlier, everything happens.
Print a backup copy of your resume, as well as recommendations from other people you have. Bring a pen and a sheet of paper.
If you do all this in advance, you will save a lot of stress before and during the interview. The peace of mind you will have will help you radiate the confidence you need.
How to perform well at a job interview
4. Try to stay calm
So we move smoothly to the next tip – during the job interview try to stay calm and relaxed. Keep in mind that body language says as many things as your answers to questions.
Maintain a normal posture – not too relaxed, level too tight. Avoid crossing your arms, which is considered a sign of reticence and “closing” to the interlocutor. It is advisable for ladies to leave their bags aside and not keep them to themselves, as this would be interpreted as reservations and insecurities.
Don’t be in a hurry. Strive to listen to the whole question and then answer. This will give you more time to consider your answer.
How to perform well at a job interview
5. Show what you know
When answering questions, try to connect your answers with what you know about the company. And when you talk about your work achievements, connect them with what the company is looking for. This way you will be able to match your experience with the requirements of the company. Your answers should be short and clear, and it will definitely be to your advantage if you give examples.
How to perform well at a job interview
6. Dress appropriately
Like it or not, it is a fact that the first impression you will make on a potential employer is very important. Therefore, regardless of the work environment, dress professionally. The day before the interview, choose what clothes to go with. Let them be comfortable and representative, suitable for the position you are applying for and the style of dress in the company, if you have a look at it.
Keep in mind that every company has unwritten dress code rules. In any case, you will not go wrong if you dress a little more formally and not sloppily. If you are working in a financial institution, it is better to be in a suit, but in most places, it is enough to be neat and in a business casual style, ie. jeans and a shirt may also be an acceptable option. For women, the universal advice is not to wear too many clothes or too much jewelry. A simple look is always the best.
How to perform well at a job interview
7. Express gratitude after the interview
Etiquette requires you to thank the interviewer after the interview. Within 24 hours, it’s a good idea to write a short email to express your interest in the position, and you can add something you forgot to say in the interview. This is assessed positively. You can also do this with a message on LinkedIn, as mentioned above.
How to perform well at a job interview
In Conclusion
So, in conclusion – Job interviews can be pretty scary, but don’t worry – with a little bit of preparation and some laughs along the way, you’ll do great! First off, do some research on the company and position so you can impress the interviewer with your knowledge. Next, practice your answers to some common questions so you don’t stumble over your words like a baby giraffe learning to walk. And don’t forget to dress to impress – you want to look like a boss, not a hot mess!
When you arrive, be sure to bring your A-game and your sense of humor. Show your enthusiasm for the position like you’re a kid in a candy store (but maybe don’t actually bring any candy, unless you’re willing to share). Remember, you’re not just a boring robot reciting your resume – show off your unique skills and personality. And last but not least, ask some thoughtful questions to show you’re interested in the job and not just in it for the paycheck.
So put on your best smile, take a deep breath, and go rock that interview like a boss! Good luck, you’ve got this!
We wish you success!
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How to perform well at a job interview
Well Done !!! Thank you 👍